For decades, strong female characters have continued to grow in popular culture. Heroines have graced the silver screen from Ellen Ripley to Katniss Everdeen to the just released Wonder Woman. Likewise, television has held its own legion of women in the forms of the Bionic Woman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sydney Bristow. Heroism lies in everyone, but this week we’re only discussing the ladies.

On this week’s podcast, we discuss what it takes to be a hero. Is it selflessness, bravery, or just an epic level of ass-kickery? We also offer up our individual picks for the top 3 heroic female characters in TV and film.